When it comes to James Bond filming locations, few places are as iconic as Jamaica. From 007’s very first on-screen appearance in Dr. No (1962) to the modern blockbuster No Time to Die (2021), the island has played a defining role in the Bond universe. With its lush landscapes, golden beaches and cinematic coastline, Jamaica has become a bucket-list destination for Bond fans around the world.

Jamaica’s importance to the franchise runs deeper than filming alone. Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels at his GoldenEye estate in Oracabessa Bay, drawing inspiration from the island’s atmosphere and surroundings. That creative connection later translated naturally to the screen, making Jamaica the birthplace of James Bond as audiences know him.

In Dr. No, Sean Connery’s 007 arrives in Kingston to investigate the disappearance of a fellow MI6 agent. Several locations from the film have since become legendary, including Dunn’s River Falls, where Honey Ryder makes her unforgettable emergence from the sea, Kingston Harbour, which features prominently in Bond’s arrival scenes, and Laughing Waters Beach, now a pilgrimage site for devoted fans. These locations remain some of the most recognisable Bond filming spots in Jamaica.

The franchise returned to the island in Live and Let Die (1973), marking Roger Moore’s debut as 007. Jamaica doubled for the fictional Caribbean nation of San Monique, with filming taking place in Falmouth and Montego Bay during a series of chase sequences. Greenwood Great House was used as the residence of the villain, Dr Kananga, its colonial architecture adding to the film’s sense of danger and intrigue. The combination of dramatic scenery and historic locations once again proved Jamaica to be a perfect Bond setting.

Nearly 60 years after Dr. No, Jamaica made a powerful return in No Time to Die. This time, the island represented Bond’s peaceful retirement hideaway before events pulled him back into action. Filming took place around Port Antonio, where Bond’s beachfront home was built specifically for the production, as well as Frenchman’s Cove and San San Bay, both used for quieter, reflective moments and striking aerial shots of the coastline. The purpose-built house underscored Jamaica’s role not only as Bond’s beginning, but also as an emotional bookend to the saga.

Today, visitors can explore Jamaica’s Bond legacy through guided tours or independent travel. Highlights include staying at the GoldenEye resort in Ian Fleming’s original villa, visiting the beaches and waterfalls immortalised on screen, and exploring filming locations across Kingston, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Whether retracing the steps of Sean Connery and Roger Moore or simply enjoying the island’s natural beauty, Jamaica offers a truly unforgettable James Bond experience.

From Dr. No to No Time to Die, Jamaica has remained at the heart of the James Bond story. Its landscapes, history and deep connection to Ian Fleming make it one of the most significant Bond locations in the world. For travellers, film lovers and 007 fans alike, Jamaica is more than a holiday destination – it is Bond’s spiritual home.